Spectacular scenic spots to celebrate Australia Day

For all the events on Australia Day, the Pilbara’s natural beauty ensures there are also plenty of scenic locations where you can get away from it all.

Karratha Visitor Centre manager Jane Knapp said favourite local spots were still winners for Australia Day, especially if they were close to water.

“I would say places like Hearson’s Cove or the Dampier Palms,” she said.

“Hearson’s Cove has shaded areas and ... it’s absolutely beautiful along the whole coast.

“And Dampier Palms would be good for families because you’ve got the grassed areas, shaded areas, and it’s good in all tides.”

She also recommended Wickham’s Port Walcott and Point Samson’s Honeymoon Cove for easy vehicle access to the beach and lots of room for children to play, as well as Miaree Pool, Harding River Dam, Millstream-Chichester National Park, and Karijini National Park for their secluded spots and natural beauty.

Discovery Cruising skipper Brad Beaumont said the Dampier archipelago islands were a good option if you happened to know anyone who owned a shack. Otherwise, he will also be operating his annual Australia Day trip to Sam’s Island from noon.

“We bring boom boxes, guitars, and we have the flag flying,” he said.

“It’s a beautiful island so we get as many as we can over there. It turns out to be a great day over and it’s not too far from shore.”

For Exmouth residents or those dreaming of an escape there, Exmouth Visitor Centre membership and communications co-ordinator Ben Knaggs recommended Cape Range National Park’s Osprey Bay as one of the best camping sites, thanks to recently upgraded camping facilities and access to good snorkelling and fishing.

“Take advantage of low visitor numbers at this time of year to have plenty of room to yourself while enjoying the long weekend cooling down by the shores of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef,” he said.

Mr Knaggs also suggested a bareboat sailing charter with new tour operator Cruise Ningaloo — which allows anyone with a current WA skipper’s ticket to hire and drive a luxury sailing catamaran — or local barbecue and beach cricket spot Town Beach for a great day out.